0.42 is the example result. Read it using the units and relationship stated below.
3D Printer Hourly Cost uses machine purchase price, expected life (hours), maintenance over life.
Making a print estimate reflect the work behind the part
For 3d printer hourly cost, the relationship is Result = (([Machine purchase price]) ÷ ([Expected life (hours)])) + (([Maintenance over life]) ÷ ([Expected life (hours)])) + [Electricity cost per hour]. The amount depends on the supplied machine purchase price, expected life (hours), rather than a live market price or a value imported from another record. Filament cost is only one component of a printed part. Machine time, failed jobs, setup, labour and fulfilment can materially change contribution. Compare grams with the usable spool weight, rather than the label price alone.
What the model includes
Result = (([Machine purchase price]) ÷ ([Expected life (hours)])) + (([Maintenance over life]) ÷ ([Expected life (hours)])) + [Electricity cost per hour] Use measured print duration where possible and keep machine-hour charges separate from electricity. If the machine rate already includes energy or labour, entering those amounts again double counts them. The model cannot infer a failure rate from a successful test print. A quote still needs the part requirements and production method. Material choice, orientation and finishing affect quality; this estimate does not establish mechanical suitability or guarantee the print will succeed.
Example with the supplied inputs
Machine purchase price: 1200; Expected life (hours): 5000; Maintenance over life: 300; Electricity cost per hour: 0.12. Result: 0.42. The values are illustrative.
Compare one changed input
Machine purchase price changes from 1200 to 1320. The result becomes 0.444. All other inputs remain fixed.
Calculation rule
Result = (([Machine purchase price]) ÷ ([Expected life (hours)])) + (([Maintenance over life]) ÷ ([Expected life (hours)])) + [Electricity cost per hour]
Inputs and output
| Input | Example value | Entry convention |
|---|---|---|
| Machine purchase price | 1200 | Use machine purchase price on the currency and period basis shown by the formula. Keep gross amounts, net amounts and unit amounts distinct; the page does not fetch a price or exchange rate. |
| Expected life (hours) | 5000 | Use the duration unit stated in expected life (hours). A time period is not interchangeable with a currency amount or a count of events. |
| Maintenance over life | 300 | Use the source quantity represented by maintenance over life. Keep the counted population fixed and avoid mixing a unit value with a period total. |
| Electricity cost per hour | 0.12 | Use electricity cost per hour on the currency and period basis shown by the formula. Keep gross amounts, net amounts and unit amounts distinct; the page does not fetch a price or exchange rate. |
Output: 0.42 is the example result. Read it using the units and relationship stated below. Use the formula to distinguish a cash amount, count, percentage or ratio.
How to use the page
Collect the inputs
Gather Machine purchase price, Expected life (hours), Maintenance over life. Use one period and the units shown in the form.
Run the calculation
Enter the values and select the action. The calculation rule above explains how the inputs produce the result.
Compare a scenario
Change Machine purchase price on its own, keeping the other inputs fixed. Read both results before changing another assumption.
Worked example
With the example inputs listed above, the result is 0.42.
Change Machine purchase price from 1200 to 1320 while keeping every other value fixed. The result becomes 0.444. This comparison isolates that input; it does not forecast how other variables will respond.
Check the stated formula, units and limits before using the result in a decision.
Keep the displayed formula, input units and model scope with the result. Corrections or questions can be sent through the request section on this page.